Stack 

Annex 

PA 

3877 

L8 

1915 


Lysistrata:  by 
Aristophanes:  Adapted 
md  arranged  by 
Winifred  Ayres  Hope 


Samuel  French:  Publisher 

25  West  Forty-Fifth  St. :  New  York 


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Lysistrata:  by 
Aristophanes:  Adapted 
and  arranged  by 
Winifred  Ayres  Hope 


Samuel  French:  Publisher 

25  West  Forty-Fifth  St. :  New  York 

Samuel  French,  Ltd. 

26  Southampton  Street*  Strand 
London 


Copyright,  1915 
By  SAMUEL  FRENCH 


Stack 
Annex 

?A 


Wir 


ARISTOPHANES. 

The  works  of  Aristophanes  are  the  only  Greek 
comedies  which  have  been  preserved.  With- 
out doubt,  the  best  of  these  are  among  the  world's 
greatest  masterpieces.  The  "Lysistrata"  may  be 
taken  as  one  of  the  earliest  satirical  thrusts  at 
feminism;  but  its  good-humor,  its  essentially 
comic  spirit,  take  it  out  of  the  realm  of  the  purely 
didactic  and  topical. 


LYSISTRATA. 

An  acting  version  of  Aristophanes'  brilliant  satire 
on  Athenian  foibles,  with  strikingly  modern  fea- 
tures. It  may  be  called  a  Peace  Play,  a  Feminist 
Play,  or  an  argument  for  Woman  Suffrage. 

This  is  a  prose  adaptation,  but  the  choruses  are 
versified  with  some  suggestion  of  Aristophanes' 
varied  metre. 

The  speaking  parts  are  4  male,  5  female,  I  young 
child ;  there  is  a  chorus  of  old  men,  and  one  of 
Greek  matrons,  about  15  in  each,  although  the  num- 
ber may  be  varied. 

The  text  is  accompanied  with  directions  for  act- 
ing, suggestions  for  stage-setting,  and  a  full  outline 
of  an  effective  color-scheme  for  costuming. 

Adapted  and  arranged  by  Winifred  Ayres  Hope. 

Great  liberties  have  been  taken  with  Aristo- 
panes,  the  aim  being  to  suggest  his  colloquial 
manner  and  — in  the  versified  portions — his  varied 
metre.  An  effort  has  been  made  to  preserve  the 
spirit  of  the  original  throughout,  despite  the  changes 
necessary  to  adapt  this  play  to  our  modern  canons 
of  taste. 

The  scene  represents  Athens  in  the  Fourth  cen- 
tury B.  c. 

Stage-setting :  the  scene  represents  the  steps  lead- 
ing up  to  the  Acropolis,  the  gates  of  which  show  in 
the  distance.  This  could  be  sufficiently  conveyed 
by  two  or  three  broad  steps  at  the  back  of  the  stage, 
with  a  background  of  pillars,  severe  in  style,  sup- 
porting rude  gates ;  the  chorus  could  then  be  massed 
on  the  main  stage.  Three  entrances  are  desirable; 
one  through  the  gates,  and  a  Right  and  Left  in  the 
wings. 

5 


LYSISTRATA. 


DRAMATIS     PERSONS. 

LYSISTRATA 
CALONICE 

MYRRHINA         Athenian    matrons. 

LAMPITO A  matron  of  Sparta. 

CINESIAS Husband  to  Myrrhina. 

ATHENIAN  COMMITTEE-MAN 
AMBASSADOR  FROM  SPARTA 
CHORUS  OF  MEN 
CHORUS  OF  WOMEN 
A  CHILD. 
Three  Policemen 

Aristophanes  represents  Lysistrata  as  no  longer 
young,  but  nothing  in  the  text  as  rendered  prevents 
her  being  youthful,  and  she  should  be  handsome. 
In  the  same  way,  the  women  of  the  chorus  may  be 
represented  as  young  and  charming.  The  men  of 
the  chorus  should  be  old  in  the  main,  as  much  of  the 
fun  depends  upon  this;  the  younger  men  are  sup- 
posed to  be  in  the  ranks.  Myrrhina  is  of  course 
an  ingenue  part  and  Cinesias  "juene  premier."  The 
Athenian  Committee  Man  can  be  made  very  pom- 
pous and  amusing  and  the  Spartan  Herald  ridicu- 
lously stilted. 


LYSISTRATA  ; 

Suggestions  for  costuming:  outline  of  color-scheme. 

The  women  should  wear  the  classic  Greek  cos- 
tume, consisting  of  tunic,  mantle,  girdle  and  sand- 
als ;  variety  may  beintroduced  in  the  adjusting  of 
the  girdle,  and  in  the  employment  of  contrasting 
colors,  as  follows. 

Lysistrata:  white  tunic  and  mantle,  latter  with 
heavy  gold  border,  girdle,  sandals,  arm-rings 
and  fillet  of  gold. 

Calonice:  tunic  pale  blue,  mantle  sky  blue  with 
border  of  silver. 

Lampito:  corn-colored  tunic,  mantle  of  poppy-red 
with  yellow  border. 

M\,  ,I,-,.,.K  .  f1,njc  white,  mantle  shell-pink  with  bor- 
der of  silver,  rm,...  —  .1  ..,,,,, 


Chorus  of  Women:  shades  of  burnt  orange,  yellow 
and  brown  in  different  combinations;  touches 
of  flame-color  used  with  caution. 

The  men  wear  the  full-length  tunic,  with  the  excep- 
tion of  the  Herald  and  Cinesias,  who  wear  the 
knee-length  tunic.  The  following  combination 
of  colors  is  suggested  for  the  men's  costumes  : 

Cinesias:  corn-colored  tunic,  mantle  of  orchid-red. 

Athenian  Committee-Man  :  tunic,  Helen  pink,  man- 
tle dregs  of  wine. 


8  LYSISTRATA 

Spartan  Ambassador:  tunic  of  lavender,  mantle 
purple,  with  silver  border. 

Herald:  deep  blue  tunic,  mantle  black  and  silver, 
staff  and  trumpet  of  silver. 

Chorus  of  men:  harmonizing  shades  of  green 
(avoiding  the  vivid  tones)  :  black  used  spar- 
ingly in  the  borders. 

Properties:  braziers  for  the  chorus  of  men; 
pitchers  for  the  women;  basket  of  wool,  beans, 
bonnet  for  Lysistrata ;  staff  and  trumpet  for  Herald. 


LYSISTRATA 


(The  scene  discloses  LYSISTRATA  alone  on  the  steps 
of  the  ACROPOLIS.) 

LYSISTRATA.  Well !  were  it  a  dinner  or  dance  to 
which  I  had  bidden  them,  the  women  had  come 
swarming;  but  not  a  single  woman  is  present — (she 
sees  CALONICE  approaching)  save  my  neighbor 
here.  Welcome,  Calonice! 

(Enter  CALONICE.) 

CALONICE.  And  you  too,  Lysistrata!  What!  Are 
you  troubled?  Be  not  of  a  sad  countenance,  child  1 
it  does  not  become  you  to  frown. 

LYSISTRATA.  I  am  greatly  vexed  on  account  of 
us  women ;  men  have  so  poor  an  opinion  of  us. 

CALONICE.    Well,  perhaps  we  deserve  it. 

LYSISTRATA.  I  suspect  as  much;  for  when  I 
summon  them  to  consult  about  no  small  matter,  they 
sleep,  and  have  not  come. 

CALONICE.  But  my  dearest,  they  will  come.  Of 
a  truth,  women  find  it  difficult  to  get  out;  for  one 
gets  into  an  argument  with  her  husband,  another 
has  to  waken  the  servant;  this  one  has  yet  to  put 


io  LYSISTRATA 

her  child  to  bed,  that  one  has  to  bathe  hers;  and 
still  another  has  to  see  that  her  child  is  fed. 

LYSISTRATA.  But  indeed,  there  were  other  mat- 
ters for  them  more  important  than  these. 

CALONICE.  What  is  the  matter,  dear  Lysistrata, 
for  which  you  summon  us  women? 

LYSISTRATA.  A  weighty  matter !  There  is  a  cer- 
tain subject  which  I  have  investigated,  and  spent 
sleepless  nights  revolving  in  my  mind. 

CALONICE.  Doubtless  the  matter  revolved  is 
somewhat  subtle? 

LYSISTRATA.  Ay!  so  subtle  that  the  safety  of 
Greece  depends  upon  us  women. 

CALONICE.  Upon  the  women?  Why,  it  depends 
upon  a  slight  thing  then. 

LYSISTRATA.  Since  the  affairs  of  the  State  de- 
pend upon  us,  either  all  Greece  rushes  to  her  fall, 
or  we  shall  save  Greece  in  common. 

CALONICE.  What  prudent  or  brilliant  action 
could  women  accomplish?  we  who  sit  decked  out, 
wearing  saffron-colored  robes,  and  beautified,  and 
wearing  loose  Cimmerian  vests  and  sandals? 

LYSISTRATA.  Nay,  in  truth  these  are  the  very 
things  which  I  expect  will  save  us;  the  little 
saffron-colored  robes,  and  the  unguents,  and  the 
transparent  vests. 

CALONICE.    In  what  manner,  pray? 

LYSISTRATA.  So  that  none  of  the  men  of  the 
present  day  lift  a  spear  against  each  other. 

CALONICE.  Then  by  the  two  goodesses,  I'll  get 
me  a  saffron  robe  dyed! 

LYSISTRATA.  Nor  take  a  shield. 


LYSISTRATA  u 

CALONICE.    I'll  put  on  a  Cimmerian  vest! 

LYSISTRATA.    Nor  little  sword. 

CALONICE.    I'll  get  sandals! 

LYSISTRATA.  Ought  not  then  the  women  to  have 
been  present? 

CALONICE.  They  should  have  come  flying  long 
ago. 

LYSISTRATA.  Nay  my  dear,  you'll  find  them 
throughout  Attica  doing  everything  later  than  they 
ought.  No  woman  is  here  from  the  sea-coast,  nor 
from  Salamis. 

CALONICE.    But  see,  now,  here  are  some  coming ! 

(Enter  MYRRHINA,  L.) 

MYRRH  IN  A.  Surely  we  have  not  come  too  late, 
Lysistrata  ?  What  do  you  say  ?  why  are  you  silent  ? 

LYSISTRATA.  I  do  not  commend  you,  Myrrhina, 
who  have  only  now  come  about  so  important  a  mat- 
ter. 

MYRRHINA.  I  had  great  difficulty  in  finding  my 
girdle  in  the  dark.  But  if  it  be  very  pressing,  tell 
it  to  us  now  we  are  present. 

LYSISTRATA.  No,  by  Zeus!  let  us  rather  wait  a 
little  while  for  the  women  from  Boeotia  to  come, 
and  from  the  Peloponnese. 

MYRRHINA.  That  is  good  advice.  But  see,  here 
comes  Lampito! 

(Enter  LAMPITO,  R.  with  two  others;  LYSISTRATA 
goes  up  to  her.) 

LYSISTRATA.  O  dearest  Laconian !  welcome  Lam- 


12  LYSISTRATA 

pito!  How  your  beauty,  dearest,  shines  forth! 
What  a  fresh  color  you  have;  how  vigorous  your 
body  is !  you  could  even  throttle  a  bull ! ! 

LAM  PITO.  I  think  as  much,  by  the  two  goddess- 
es! We  Spartan  women  exercise  faithfully  each 
day. 

LYSISTRATA.  (Turning  her  around)  And  what 
a  lovely  figure! 

LAM  PITO.  Upon  my  word,  you  measure  my  good 
points,  as  if  I  were  a  heifer  for  sacrifice ! 

LYSISTRATA.  But  from  what  country  conies 
your  companion? 

LAMPITO.  By  the  two  gods,  a  Boeotian  of  rank 
is  coming  to  you. 

LYSISTRATA.  Welcome,  O  shapely  Boeotian !  and, 
who  is  the  other? 

LAMPITO.  A  very  proper  girl,  even  if  she  is  from 
Corinth.  But  who  brought  together  this  company 
of  women? 

LYSISTRATA.    I  here! 

CALONICE.    Then  say  to  us  what  you  wish. 

LYSISTRATA.  Yes,  by  Zeus,  my  dear  woman,  that 
will  I ! 

MYRRH  IN  A.  Mention  the  'important  business/ 
whatever  this  is. 

LYSISTRATA.  I  will  now  mention  it,  but  first  I 
will  ask  you  this  small  question. 

MYRRHINA.    Whatever  you  please. 

LYSISTRATA.  Do  you  not  long  for  the  fathers  of 
your  children,  who  are  absent  on  military  service? 


LYS1STRATA  13 

for  I  well  know  that  almost  every  mother's  daughter 
of  you  has  her  husband  abroad. 

CALONICE.  In  truth,  my  husband  has  been  ab- 
sent, O  unhappy  man,  five  months  in  Thrace. 

LAMPITO.  And  mine,  seven  whole  months  in 
Pylos. 

CALONICE.  And  mine,  even  if  he  ever  does  de- 
part from  the  ranks  takes  up  his  shield,  flies  off  and 
disappears ! 

LYSISTRATA.  But  not  even  a  spark  of  a  lover  is 
left;  for,  since  the  Milesians  betrayed  us,  I  have 
not  see  a  thing  of  the  kind,  which  might  have  con- 
soled us  in  the  absence  of  our  husbands.  Would 
you  be  willing,  therefore,  with  me  to  put  an  end  to 
the  war,  if  I  were  to  find  a  way? 

MYRRHINA.  Yea,  by  the  two  goddesses,  I  would 
be  willing,  if  I  were  obliged  to  pawn  this  tunic! 

CALONICE.    I  would  pawn  myself ! 

LAMPITO.  I  would  climb  the  steep  sides  of 
Mount  Taygetus,  if  from  there  I  could  get  a 
glimpse  of  peace. 

LYSISTRATA.  Then  I  will  venture,  for  the  matter 
is  urgent.  We,  O  women,  if  we  are  to  compel  the 
men  to  be  at  peace,  must 

MYRRHINA.    What?  Tell  us! 

LYSISTRATA.    Will  you  do  it  then? 

MYRRHINA.    We  will  do  it,  even  if  we  must  die! 

LYSISTRATA.  Then  must  we  leave  home  and  hus- 
band !  Why  do  you  turn  away  from  me  ?  Where 
are  you  going?  Here,  women,  why  do  you  com- 
press your  lips  and  shake  your  heads  at  me?  why 


?I4  LYSISTRATA 

is  your  color  changed?  why  are  you  weeping?  Will 
you  do  it,  or  will  you  not  do  it  ?  or  what  do  you  pur- 
pose to  do? 

MYRRHINA.    I  cannot  do  it!  let  the  war  go  on! 

CALONICE.  Neither  can  I,  by  the  great  Zeus !  let 
the  war  go  on! 

LYSISTRATA.  You  say  this,  you  who  were  ready 
to  pawn  yourself. 

CALONICE.  Anything  else,  anything  elre!  what- 
ever you  wish!  I  am  willing  to  walk  even  through 
fire,  if  I  must;  but  not  what  you  ask ! 

LYSISTRATA.  (To  MYRRHINA)  What  then  do 
you  say? 

MYRRHINA.    I  too  will  walk  through  fire. 

LYSISTRATA.  O  how  weak  is  our  sex!  No  won- 
der we  inspire  the  poets  to  tragedies.  But  my  dear 
Lampito,  vote  with  me!  for  if  only  you  side  with 
me,  we  may  yet  save  the  state. 

LAMPITO.  It  is  hard  indeed;  yet  still  we  must 
do  it,  for  there  is  great  need  ot  peace. 

LYSISTRATA.  O  thou  dearest!  and  the  only  wo- 
man out  of  these! 

CALONICE.  Would  peace  be  made  aught  the 
more  for  this? 

LYSISTRATA.  Aye,  much,  by  the  two  goddesses ! 
For  if  we  cast  eyes  of  love  upon  them,  and  then 
flout  them — they  will  quickly  make  peace,  I  well 
know. 

LAMPITO.  They  tell  us  that  Menelaus,  after  one 
glance  at  Helen,  seeking  to  cajole  him,  threw  away 
his  sword. 


LYSISTRATA  15 

MYRRHINA.  Rut  what,  my  friends,  if  our  hus- 
bands leave  us? 

LYSISTRATA.    They  are  never  with  us  as  it  is. 

CALONICE.    But  what  if  they  beat  us? 

LYSISTRATA.  Still  be  obstinate,  and  their  joy 
will  vanish.  Love  and  force  go  never  hand  in  hand ; 
and  no  man  can  be  really  happy,  unless  the  woman 
be  happy  too. 

CALONICE.  If  in  truth  you  two  are  decided 
about  this,  we  also  agree. 

LAMPITO.  And  so  we  will  everywhere  persuade 
our  husbands  to  keep  peace  without  deceit.  Yet 
how  can  we  persuade  the  foolish  Athenians  not  to 
talk  nonsense? 

LYSISTRATA.  We  of  course  will  persuade  our 
party. 

LAMPITO.  Not  so  long  as  the  triremes  stand 
ready,  and  there  is  that  huge  war-fund  unspent  in 
the  temple  of  the  goddess. 

LYSISTRATA.  Ah,  but  this  is  provided  for;  to-day 
we  shall  seize  upon  the  Acropolis. 

CALONICE.    The  plan  seems  a  wise  one. 

LYSISTRATA.  Why  then,  Lampito,  do  we  not 
swear  to  these  things  as  soon  as  possible,  so  that  we 
can  not  change  our  minds? 

CALONICE.  Produce  the  oath  that  we  may  swear. 

LYSISTRATA.  Good!  Where  is  the  police-wo- 
man ?  Set  the  shield  before  us. 

CALONICE.  Lysistrata,  whatever  is  the  oath  w^ 
are  to  swear? 

LYSISTRATA.  What?  Why  we  will  swear  upon 
a  shield. 


16  LYSISTRATA 

MYRRHINA.  O  Lysistrata,  dearest,  let  us  not 
swear  anything  about  peace  upon  a  shield! 

LYSISTRATA.    Well,  how  shall  we  swear? 

MYRRHINA.  Well,  if  we  could  get  a  white  horse 
from  somewhere  and  sacrifice  it 

LYSISTRATA.     And  why,  pray,  a  white  horse? 

CALONICE.    O  dear,  how  can  we  swear! 

LYSISTRATA.  Now  listen,  and  I  will  tell  you.  Let 
some  one  bring  a  large  cup,  and  then  we  will 
slaughter  a  Thacian  jar  of  wine,  and  swear  over  the 
cup — to  pour  no  water  in ! 

LAMPITO.      An  oath  after  my  own  heart! 

(A  cup  and  jar  are  brought.} 

CALONICE.  O  dearest  woman !  what  a  vast  jar ! 
what  a  pious  oath  this  will  be! 

LYSISTRATA.  Mistress  Persuasion,  O  Cup  sacred 
to  friendship,  bless  our  oath  being  friendly  to  the 
women. 

(CALONICE  pours  wine  into  the  cup.} 

CALONICE.    It  is  well  omened. 

MYRRHINA.    And  of  sweet  savor. 

LYSISTRATA.  Permit  me,  women,  to  swear  the 
first.  (She  tries  to  drink  from  the  jar) 

CALONICE.  You  shall  not  unless  the  lot  falls  to 
you! 

LYSISTRATA.  Lampito,  do  all  of  you  lay  hold  on 
the  cup  and  let  one  speak  for  all  of  you,  and  do  you 


LYSISTRATA  17 

all  swear  these  things,  and  abide  by  them. 
'Till  peace  is  voted  by  the  State,' 

CALONICE.     'Till  peace  is  voted  by  the  State,' 

LYSISTRATA.     'And  stilled  are  war's  alarms.' 

CALONICE.     (Repeats) 

LYSISTRATA.  'My  lord  shall  miss  his  faithful 
mate/ 

CALONICE.     (Repeats') 

*  —  -'CTKATA.     'Nor  clasp  her  in  his  arms.' 
CALONICE.     ^.^  „„,„} 

LYSISTRATA.  '  When  griei  0~i  i^mna  trrovr  too 
great,' 

CALONICE.     (Repeats) 

LYSISTRATA.     '  For  my  connubial  charms.' 

CALONICE.     (Repeats) 

LYSISTRATA.    '  His  wife  he  then  may  re-instate.' 

CALONICE.     (Repeats) 

LYSISTRATA.     '  By  laying  down  his  arms.' 

CALONICE.     (Repeats) 

LYSISTRATA.    Do  you  all  swear? 

THE  WOMEN.    Yea  by  the  great  Zeus! 

LYSISTRATA.    Come,  let  us  dedicate  this. 

CALONICE.  Your  share  only,  my  dear,  that  from 
the  first  we  xnay  be  friends. 

(The  goblet  is  passe*  -there  is  a  shout  of  WOMEN 


LAMPITO.    What  shout  is  i 

LYSISTRATA.  The  very  thing  1  »Qoke  of  !  for  the 
women  have  already  seized  upon  the  Acroplois  of 
the  gates. 


18  LYSISTRATA 

CALONICE.  Do  you  not  think  that  the  men  will 
immediately  render  joint  aid  against  us? 

LYSISTRATA.  I  care  little  for  them,  for  they  will 
not  come  with  either  so  great  threats  or  so  much 
fire  as  to  open  these  gates,  except  upon  the  terms 
which  we  mentioned. 

(THE  WOMEN  enter  the  ACROPOLIS,  and  bar  the 
gates.  Enter  the  chorus  of  old  men,  bearing 
logs  and  charcoal  braziers.) 


Onward,  Ducas,  do  not  tarry, 

Tho'  your  poor  joints  creak  and  crack 

With  the  heavy  logs  you  carry 

On  your  sore  and  aching  back. 

SECOND  OLD  MAN.— 
Life  is  full  of  sad  surprises  - 
This  one  nearly  knocks  me  flat! 
Women  whom  each  man  despises, 
Good  for  naught  but  idle  chat, 
Money  wasters,  dainty  tasters, 
Always  seeking  Tit  for  Tat  - 
They  have  seized  the  sacred  statues! 
They  have  barred  the  temple  gate 
Wait  and  see  what  we'll  heave  *<•  you  ! 
Then  you  may  repent  —  too  kce! 

FIRST  OLD  MAN.  — 

Here  we'll  build  our  -^wering  prye  -  • 
Zeus!  my  coals  a^  nearly  dead. 
Here  you,  Dn»~as  !  blow  the  fire 


LYSISTRATA  19 

(Blow  at  coals.) 

(Ugh!  you'll  choke  me  out  instead!) 
If  they'll  not  undo  the  portal 

(Blow  coals.) 

(Ugh!  Kchu!  this  wretched  smoke!) 
Light  the  pyre,  and  if  they're  mortal 

(Blow  at  coals.) 

(Ugh!  Kchu!    T'll  surely  choke!) 

We  will  show  Wio's  really  master 

Goddess  victory  )e  ours 

Shield  us  from  th«  fell  disaster 

And  we'll  wreathe  your  fane  with  flowers. 

(CHORUS   OF   WOM?N    come    through   gate   with 
Ditchers. ) 

FIRST  WOMAN. — 

Fly!  Fly!  the  smoke  rounts  high! 
Fire!  Fin-!  it  lights  tht&y 
Laws  so  1-ase,  a  grievout 
Men  whc-  would  our  sexASgrace. 

SECOND  WOMEN. — 
Late !  Late !  a  cruel  fate 
Were  ;.t  true  of  which  they^ate ; 
Men'  Men  ten  times  ten, 
Her.t  us  in  a  flaming  pen! 


20  LYSISTRATA 

THIRD  WOMEN. — 
Here !  Here !  sisters  dear 
Lo!  we  come  with  water  clear. 
Pallas  true,  we  worship  you; 
You  we'd  save  and  Athens  too. 
City  of  the  Golden  crown 
Never  less  grow  thy  renown! 
War-crazed  man  would  tear  thee  down; 
We  will  save  our  ancient  town. 

CHORUS  OF  MEN. — 

O  bless  my  poor  eyes!  another  surprise! 
The  women  come  swarming,  of  ead  age  and  size. 

CHORUS  OF  WOMEN. — 

You  think  you  can  laugh  !  'Tis  no  Abject  for  chaff  ? 
You  see  but  the  van-guard,  by  nc  means  a  half. 

CHORUS  OF  MEN. — 

Your  boldness  is  such,  you're  taking  too  much  ; 
Let  me  close  your  mouth  with  ^vigorous  touch ! 

CHORUS  OF  WOMEN. — 
Little  we  care;  strike  if  you 

CHORUS  OF  MEN.— 
Euripides  of  mighty  fame, 
Gave  women  all  a  fearful  nime. : 
Said  he,  "No  sex  so  void  o/shame." 

LEADER  OF  CHORUS  OF\/OMEN. — 
To  make  this  the  truer,   / 
Pray  take  up  your  ewe 'J 

(WOMEN  i  seise  their  pitchers.) 

LEADER  OF  MEN.- 
O  what  will  you  drwith  water,  pray? 


LYSISTRATA  21 

\ 

LEADER  OF  WOMEN. — 
And  you  with  fire,  my  good  friend,  say? 

LEADER  OF  MEN.— 
A  taste  of  fire  may  make  you  sane. 

(All  the  MEN  wave  braziers.) 

LEADER  OF  WOMEN. — 
A  dash  of  water  clears  the  brain. 

(The  WOMEN  splfch  water  from  pitchers  on  the 
MEN,  then  run  away  through  the  gates.  Enttr 
COMMITTEE-MAN  L.) 

COMMITTEE-MAN.  What  has  come  over  the 
women?  They  are  all  astir  through  the  city. 

LEADER  OF  MEN.  Had  you  but  seen  their  treat- 
ment of  us' 

COMMITTEE-MAN.  Tis  our  own  fault;  we  have 
humored  and  spoiled  them.  And  this  is  my  reward ! 
I,  a  committee-man,  shut  out  from  the  Acropoiis, 
where  lies  our  precious  war- fund!  But  let  us  not 
stand  and  gape  at  them.  Bring  hither  the  levers. 
So— you  force  on  that  side,  and  I  on  this.  (Busi- 
ness with  crow-bars) 

(Enter  LYSISTRATA  from  the  citadel,  attended  by 
several  WOMEN.) 

LYSISTRATA.  Nay,  spare  your  levers.  I  am 
coming  forth  of  my  own  accord.  There  is  not  so 
much  need  of  levers,  as  of  sense  and  judgment. 


22  LYSISTRATA 

COMMITTEE-MAN.  What  is  this  base  creature: 
Where  is  the  policeman?  Seize  her  and  tie  hei 
hands  behind  her. 

LYSISTRATA.  By  Artemis!  let  him  lay  but  the 
tip  of  his  finger  on  me !  he  shall  weep  for  it — police- 
man as  he  is ! 

(The  POLICEMAN  draws  back.) 

COMMITTEE-MAN.  Are  you  afraid,  you  fellow? 
Cannot  you — and  you  too  help  him — seize  and  bind 
her. 

FIRST  WOMAN.  Try  it,  and  you  shall  be  trampl- 
ed on! 

COMMITTEE-MAN.  Where  is  a  third  policeman? 
Bind  this  one  first  (Points  to  FIRST  WOMAN)  ;  she 
talks  too  much ! 

SECOND  WOMAN.  Touch  her,  I  say,  and  you'll 
soon  need  a  doctor! 

COMMITTEE-MAN.  What's  this?  Here,  here,  I 
need  a  policeman!  lay  hold  on  her!  (To  POLICE- 
MAN) I'll  stop  some  of  you  from  running  away! 

THIRD  WOMAN.  Try  it,  I  say,  any  of  you,  and 
I'll  make  you  scream. 

(POLICEMEN  run  away,  R.) 

COMMITTEE-MAN.  Now  I  am  in  hard  luck!  The 
policemen  have  all  deserted.  We  must  never  let 
women  get  the  best  of  us!  (The  MEN  come  back) 
Let  us  march  against  them,  policemen,  in  order  of 
battle. 


LYSISTRATA  23 

LYSISTRATA.  Have  a  care!  for  look  you,  there 
are  four  companies  of  war-like  women  within 
there  (Gestures  towards  ci'adel)  fully  armed. 

COMMITTEE-MAN.  Twist  back  their  hands, 
policemen ! 

(POLICEMEN  lay  hands  on  the  WOMEN.) 

LYSISTRATA.  My  sisters  in  arms,  come  out;  ye 
market  women,  \vho  sell  frrsh  vegetables ;  ye  gra- 
cious hostesses,  who  furnissh  bread  and  garlic  to 
the  traveller.  Come,  push,  smite !  use  strong  blows 
and  strong  words,  and  show  no  respect  for  per- 
sons, (The  WOMEN  rush  in,  and  drive  off  the 
POLICEMEN)  There,  that  will  do;  we  will  not  de- 
molish them  utterly. 

COMMITTEE-MAN.  Upon  my  word,  you  women 
have  certainly  gotten  the  best  of  my  policemen ! 

LYSISTRATA.  Well,  what  did  you  expect?  Did 
you  think  us  slave-women?  or  perhaps  you  thought 
women  could  not  get  angry? 

COMMITTEE-MAN.  I've  seen  them  often  enough — 
especially  when  there  is  a  tavern  near-by! 

LEADER  OF  MEN'S  CHORUS.  O  committee-man  of 
this  land,  you  have  wasted  many  words;  for  what 
is  the  use  of  holding  a  parley  with  wild  beasts?  See 
how  they  have  treated  us !  we've  had  a  regular  bath 
—except  for  the  soap! 

LEADER  OF  WOMEN'S  CHORUS.  Well,  what  do  you 
expect — when  you  lay  hands  upon  your  neighbors 
—but  a  black  eye?  For  I  would  sit  here,  as  de- 


24  LYSISTRATA 

mure  as  a  Maiden,  offending  no-one,  and  as  still  as 
a  mouse,  unless  some-one  went  out  of  his  way  to 
irritate  me. 

FIRST  OLD  MAN. — 

Zeus !  how  can  we  tame  these  monsters  ? 
Wrongs  like  these  we  can  not  bear ! 
Come,  let's  learn  the  cause  that  drove  them 
All  these  heinous  deeds  to  dare. 

SECOND  OLD  MAN. — 
Yea,  on  our  citadel  basely  they  seized, 
With  our  Acropolis  did  as  they  pleased; 
Sacred  enclosures  by  them  were  profaned; 
What  was  the  reason?  'tis  time  they  explained. 

THIRD  OLD  MAN. — 
Ask  not  once,  but  once  and  again; 
Quiz  them  well,  and  spare  no  pain; 
Stint  no  effort  till  all  is  plain ; 
Shame  would  smirch  us  were  queries  vain. 

COMMITTEE-MAN.  Well,  I  wish  to  know  this 
first  from  you,  with  what  intent  you  shut  up  our 
citadel  with  your  bolts? 

LYSISTRATA.  That  we  might  make  the  money 
safe,  and  that  you  might  not  fight  on  account  of  it. 

COMMITTEE-MAN.  Why?  are  we  fighting  on  ac- 
count of  the  money? 

LYSISTRATA.  Aye!  That  those  in  office  may 
steal,  there  must  be  a  war-fund;  and  to  raise  a  war- 
fund,  there  must  be  a  war.  But  we  decree  that  no 
one  shall  touch  this  money. 


LYSISTRATA  25 

COMMITTEE-MAN.    What  will  you  do  then? 

LYSISTRATA.    We  will  manage  it. 

COMMITTEE-MAN.    Will  you  manage  the  money? 

LYSISTRATA.  Why  do  you  think  this  strange? 
Do  we  not  wholly  manage  your  domestic  property 
for  you  also? 

COMMITTEE-MAN.    But  the  case  is  not  the  same. 

LYSISTRATA.     How,  not  the  same? 

COMMITTEE-MAN.  We  must  carry  on  the  war 
out  of  this  money. 

LYSISTRATA.  But  in  the  first  place,  there  is  no 
occasion  for  war. 

COMMITTEE-MAN.  Why,  how  otherwise  shall  we 
be  saved? 

LYSISTRATA.    We  will  save  you. 

COMMITTEE-MAN.     You? 

LYSISTRATA.    Ay,  we,  to  be  sure. 

COMMITTEE-MAN.    A  sad  case  indeed. 

LYSISTRATA.  Be  assured  that  you  shall  be  sav- 
ed, even  if  you  do  not  wish. 

COMMITTEE-MAN.    Even  if  I  don't  wish? 

LYSISTRATA.  Ay,  so  much  the  more  for  that  mat- 
ter. 

COMMITTEE-MAN.  But  how  came  you  to  care 
about  peace  and  war?  Tell  me  quickly,  that  you 
may  not  get  a  beating. 

LYSISTRATA.  Hear  now,  and  try  to  restrain  your 
hands. 

COMMITTEE-MAN.  But  I  cannot!  you  get  me  in 
such  a  temper! 


26  LYSISTRATA 

LYSISTRATA.  Then  it  will  be  so  much  the  worsr 
for  you. 

COMMITTEE-MAN.  Prate  not  your  advice  to  me 
but  on  with  your  story! 

LYSISTRATA.  I  will  proceed  to  tell  it.  During 
the  former  war,  through  our  modesty  we  bore  with 
you  men,  whatever  you  did,  for  you  did  not  allow 
us  to  mutter ;  but  we  were  far  from  satisfied.  Still 
we  understood  you  very  well,  and  often  times  when 
we  were  at  home  we  used  to  hear  that  you  had  de- 
termined some  important  matter  badly  and  then 
though  much  upset  about  it  we  used  to  ask  you 
with  a  smile,  "Well,  what  did  you  decide  to-day  in 
council  ?  What  will  you  post  up  on  the  pillar  about 
peace?"  "What's  that  to  you?"  the  men  used  to 
say.  "Will  you  not  be  silent?"  We  used  to  be 
silent. 

CALONICE.    But  I  would  never  have  been  silent. 

COMMITTEE-MAN.  You'd  soon  be  whimpering 
if  you  were  not  silent. 

LYSISTRATA.  So  then  I  kept  silent  at  home.  We 
used  to  hear  perhaps  of  some  other  disastrous  de- 
cree of  yours,  and  then  we  used  to  ask  "How  is  it, 
husband,  that  you  manage  these  matters  so  foolish- 
ly?" But  he,  having  looked  askance  at  me,  used  im- 
mediat"ly  to  tell  me  "mind  your  weaving,  or  you'll 
regret  it ;  but  war  shall  be  a  care  to  man !" 

COMMITTEE-MAN.    Rightly  said  of  him,  by  Zeus' 

LYSISTRATA.  How,  rightly,  you  wretch?  For 
you  made  a  mess  of  things ;  and  even  then  you 
wouldn't  let  us  advise  you.  But  now  it  has  come  to 


LYSISTkATA  27 

this ;  we  hear  you  say  openly  in  the  streets  "Is  there 
not  a  man  in  the  country?"  and  the  answer  is  "Not 
one."  Therefore  we  women  assembled  and  agreed 
to  save  Greece  in  common.  For  why  ought  we  to 
wait?  If  you  in  your  turn  will  hear  us,  giving 
good  advice,  and  will  keep  silent  as  we  did  so  long, 

in  save  you. 

rv^'-"i'TEE-MAN.  You  save  us?  You  mention 
a  shameful  case,  and  not  to  be  endured  by  us. 

LYSISTRATA.     Hold  your  tongue. 

COMMITTEE-MAN.  Must  I  hold  my  tongue  for 
you,  you  abominable  creature  and  that  too  wearing 
a  hood?  Then  may  I  not  live ! 

LYSISTRATA.  Well  if  the  hood  bothers  you,  take 
it  and  wear  it,  and  then  hold  your  tongue !  and  here, 
take  this  little  basket!  put  on  a  girdle,  and  card 
wool,  munching  beans!  but  war  shall  be  a  care  to 
women!  (LYSISTRATA  puts  a  hood  on  the  COMMIT- 
TEE-MAN and  a  girdle,  and  thrusts  a  basket  in  his 
hands) 

CHORUS  OF  WOMEN. — 
Come,  Women,  with  your  pitchers, 
We'll  aid  this  noble  dame; 
\viiole-hearted  we  and  tireless, 
We'll  win  a  glorious  name. 
With  us  is  virtue,  beauty, 
Courage  and  wisdom  deep,  ' 
And  prudent  patriotism; 
Our  zeal  shall  never  sleep. 

LYSISTRATA. — 
What  though  Eros  be  our  master? 


28  LYSISTRATA 

What  though  Venus,  Cyprus-born, 
Breathe  upon  us  love  and  beauty, 
Making  all  man-kind  love-lorn? 
Yet  shall  Greeks  proclaim  us  women 
Saviors  of  the  sovereign  state  ; 
"Peace-makers"  our  worthy  title, 
Triumphing  o'er  wai  <uni 


COMMITTEE-MAN.  How  then  will  you  accom- 
plish this? 

LYSISTRATA.  In  the  first  place,  we  shall  put  a 
slop  to  people  lounging  in  the  market-place,  with 
arms,  and  acting  like  fools. 

CALONICE.    Aye,  by  the  Paphian  Venus  ! 

LYSISTRATA.  For  now  the  rowdies  strut  through 
the  pottery-market,  and  the  vegetable-market,  arm- 
ed to  the  teeth. 

COMMITTEE-MAN.  Aye,  by  Zeus!  for  thus  it  be- 
comes a  hero. 

LYSISTRATA.  It  is  a  ridiculous  custom,  this  arm- 
ing oneself  with  shield  and  helmet,  to  purchase  a 
mackerel  ! 

CALONICE.  Yet  it  has  it  advantages;  for  I  sawi 
a  cavalry-captain  in  the  market  the  other  day,  as- 
tride his  horse,  and  drinking  pea-soup  out  of  his 
helmet  ! 

MYRRHINA.  And  I  saw  a  wild  Thracian  shaking 
shield  and  javelin  like  a  very  Tereus  at  a  market- 
woman  ;  the  poor  old  soul  was  so  scared  that  she  let 
him  take  all  the  ripe  figs! 

COMMITTEE-MAN.  (Impatiently)  Come,  come, 
tell  me  how  you  will  be  able  to  settle  our  troubles' 


LYSISTRATA  29 

LYSISTRATA.    Very  easily. 

COMMITTEE-MAN.     How,  show  us. 

LYSISTRATA.  Like  as  when  our  thread  is  tang'ed, 
we  take  it  in  this  way  (Illustrating  with  her  hands) 
and  draw  it  out  with  our  spindle  hither  and  thithei, 
thus  also  will  we  put  an  end  to  this  war,  if  you  let 
us,  having  prepared  the  way  by  means  of  embas- 
sies hither  and  thither. 

COMMITTEE-MAN.  Do  you  think,  pray,  to  ally  a 
dreadful  state  of  affairs  with  your  wool  ;:nd  'hread 
and  spindles,  you  silly  creature? 

LYSISTRATA.  Aye,  and  if  there  were  any  sense 
in  you,  you  would  administer  all  your  affairs  after 
the  fashion  of  our  wool. 

COMMITTEE-MAN.    How  pray?  let  us  see. 

LYSISTRATA.  Well,  first  we  wash  out  the  dirt 
from  a  fleece;  so  should  you  flog  the  knaves  head- 
long out  of  the  city:  then  we  pick  out  the  brie-s;  so 
should  you  remove  the  trouble-makers:  then  we 
pull  apart  the  matted  wool ;  so  should  you  break  up 
the  cliques  who  combine  for  their  own  aggrandize- 
ment :  then  we  card  the  even  wool  into  a  basket ;  so 
should  you  foster  civic  pride  and  general  good-will 
among  the  citizens,  the  aliens,  and  the  strangers: 
not  content  with  a  united  city,  you  should  consider 
the  colonies — let  them  not  lie  apart  like  neglected 
and  useless  lumps  of  wool,  but  card  them  into  a 
unified  state.  Then  from  this  homogeneous  wool, 
weave  you  a  cloak  for  the  people. 

COMMITTEE-MAN.  Oh,  it  is  shameful  that  these 
women  should  spin  such  yarns,  who  had  no  con- 
cern in  the  warl 


30  LYSISTRATA 

LYSISTRATA.  And  yet,  ungrateful  wretch,  we 
bear  more  than  twice  as  much  of  it  as  you ;  we  who 
first  bear  sons,  and  then  send  them  forth — to  die. 

COMMITTEE-MAN.  Silence!  and  do  not  remind 
us  of  our  woes. 

LYSISTRATA.  And  then  when  we  ought  to  be 
cheered,  and  enjoy  our  youth,  we  are  left  alone,  on 
account  of  the  wars.  But  it  is  even  more  grievous 
for  the  maidens,  who  grow  old  unwed. 

COMMITTEE-MAN.  Does  not  a  man  grow  old  as 
well? 

LYSISTRATA.  Ah!  it  is  not  the  same.  For  he, 
when  he  comes  back,  even  though  he  be  grown 
gray,  soon  marries  a  young  girl.  But  the  maid  who 
has  waited  too  long,  can  only  sit  and  read  the 
dreambook. 

COMMITTEE-MAN.  When  they  grow  old,  let 
them  die. 

LYSISTRATA.  Then  why  do  you  not  die?  You 
shall  have  a  little  pig ;  you  shall  purchase  a  coffin ;  I 
will  now  knead  you  a  honey-cake.  Take  this,  and 
crown  yourself!  (Splashes  him  with  water  front 
the  pitcher) 

FIRST  WOMAN.      And    receive    these    from    me. 

(Splashes  him  with  water  from  her  pitcher) 

SECOND  WOMAN.  And  take  this  crown.  (Same 
business) 

LYSISTRATA.  What  is  wanting?  What  do  you 
wait  for?  Go  to  the  ship!  Charon  calls  you,  and 


LYSISTRATA  31 

you  hinder  him  from  setting  sail.  (They  hustle 
him  and  jostle  him) 

COMMITTEE-MAN.  Is  it  not  shameful  that:  I 
should  suffer  these  things?  But  by  Zeus,  I  will 
show  myself  to  the  Committee,  just  as  I  am.  (Exit 
COMMITTEE-MAN  L.) 

LYSISTRATA.  (Calling  after  him}  I  suppose  you 
will  enter  a  complaint  against  us,  that  we  did  not 
lay  you  out.  Never  mind:  we  will  not  forget  the 
sacrifices  for  the  dead;  we  will  send  them  at  dawn 
on  the  third  day!  (LYSISTRATA  disappears  into 
the  Acropolis) 

FIRST  OLD  MAN. — 
Come,  free  men,  rouse  awake! 
Some  drastic  action  take ! 
For  hist!  I  scent  a  plot: 
The  Spartans  (Pray,  why  not?) 
Have  worked  these  creatures  frail 
(The  thought  makes  me  turn  pale) 
'Til  they  have  grown  so  bold. 
They've  seized  our  precious  gold! 

SECOND  OLD  MAN. — 

Hark,  how  they  prattle  of  helmet  and  shield ! 
And  laugh  at  the  hero  who  weapons  would  wield. 
Yea,  Athens  with  Sparta  they'd  fain  reconcile: 
As  well  trust  a  wolf  who  is  feigning  a  smile. 

THIRD  OLD  MAN. — 
Tyrants,  tyrants  are  they,  sirs! 
Athens  once  her  tyrants  slew ; 
Aristogeton  am  I— 
Hippias  shall  die  anew!     (Aims  blow  at  WOMEN) 


32  LYSISTRATA 

FIRST  OLD  WOMAN. — 

Have  a  care,  my  good  sir,  for  I  can  strike  too. 
We'll  put  down  our  pitchers  and  reason  with  you. 
I  honor  the  state,  and  would  fain  see  her  thrive; 
She  owes  me  a  hearing,  for  look!  man  alive, 
You  eat  up  her  income,  nor  add  to  the  store; 
I  give  what  she  prizes  a  hundred  times  more 
Than  war-funds  or  levies — for  I  give  her  men! 
Yet  you  make  the  statutes ;  nine  times  out  of  ten 
You  run  us  in  dangers  that  threaten  our  fall 
The  grievance  is  ours,  and  not  yours  at  all ! 

FIRST  OLD  MAN. — 
Ne'er  heard  I  insolence  like  this! 
It  waxes  more  and  more : 
Come,  brothers,  strip  you  for  the  fray 
As  in  the  days  of  yore. 
For  should  these  hussies  get  the  lead, 
They'll  rule  on  land  and  sea; 
On  foot  or  horse  they'll  take  the  field, 
And  vanquish  you  and  me! 

FIRST  OLD  WOMAN. — 
Hussies  are  we  ?    We  can  fight, 
We  can  hit  and  we  can  bite. 
Exercise  your  manly  might! 
On  our  side  is  truth  and  right. 

(Re-enter  LYSISTRATA  from  the  ACROPOLIS) 

CALONICE.  Oh,  thou  authoress  of  this  deed  and 
design,  why  hast  thou  come  with  a  sad  counten- 
ance? 


LYSISTRATA  33 

LYSISTRATA.  The  changeableness  of  women 
makes  me  down-hearted. 

CHORUS  OF  WOMEN.  What  do  you  say?  what  do 
you  say? 

LYSISTRATA.     The  truth!  the  truth! 

CHORUS  OF  WOMEN.  What  is  there  alarming?  do 
not  conceal  it  from  your  friends. 

LYSISTRATA.  But  I  am  ashamed  to  confess  it. 
The  women  want  to  return. 

CHORUS  OF  WOMEN.    Oh,  Zeus! 

LYSISTRATA.  Why  call  on  Zeus?  It  is  so.  They 
are  escaping  by  stealth.  And  they  keep  making  all 
sorts  of  excuses  so  as  to  depart  home.  There  is  one 
more!  (A  WOMAN  tries  to  run  past)  Hello  you! 
Whither  are  you  running? 

FIRST  WOMAN.  I  wish  to  go  home ;  for  my  Mile- 
sian fleeces  are  being  destroyed  by  the  moths  at 
home. 

LYSISTRATA.     What  moths?    Go  back  again. 

FIRST  WOMAN.  But  I  will  return  immediately, 
when  I  have  spread  them  out  on  the  couch. 

LYSISTRATA.  You  shan't  spread  them  out,  or  de- 
part at  all ! 

FIRST  WOMAN.  But  must  I  let  the  fleeces  be 
ruined  ? 

LYSISTRATA.     Yes,  if  necessary. 

(A  second  WOMAN  comes  out.) 

SECOND  WOMAN.  Ah  me!  miserable!  miserable 
for  my  flax,  which  I  have  left  at  home  unhackled. 


34  LYSISTRATA 

LYSISTRATA.  See !  here's  another  coming  out  for 
her  flax !  Come  back  again  hither. 

SECOND  WOMAN.  But  by  Artemis,  I  will  return 
instantly,  when  I  have  barked  it. 

LYSISTRATA.  Bark  indeed!  for  others  will  wish 
to  do  the  same. 

(A  third  WOMAN  appears.) 

THIRD  WOMAN.  But  I  am  not  even  able  to  sleep 
in  the  Acropolis  since  I  once  saw  the  serpent,  the 
guardian  of  the  house. 

SECOND  WOMAN.  And  I  unhappy,  am  destroyed 
with  want  of  sleep  through  the  owls  which  are  con- 
tinually crying  "To  who." 

LYSISTRATA.  My  good  woman,  cease  from  your 
tricks.  You  long  for  your  husband,  perhaps;  but 
do  you  not  think  that  we  long  for  ours?  But  hold 
out,  my  friends,  and  persevere  still  further  for  a 
short  time !  For  we  have  an  oracle  that  we  shall 
prevail  unless  we  be  weakened.  Now,  this  is  the 
oracle : — 

CHORUS  OF  WOMEN.    Tell  us  what  it  says. 

LYSISTRATA.  Be  silent  now !  "But  when  the 
swallows  leave  their  nests  and  their  young,  and 
cover  in  one  place,  there  shall  be  a  rest  from  evils." 

CHORUS  OF  WOMEN.  The  oracle  is  clear.  Let  us 
not  give  up,  for  it  would  be  a  disgrace,  my  dearest 
women,  to  betray  the  oracle. 

LYSISTRATA.    I  see  a  man  running  in  haste. 

CALONICE.  Where  is  he?  whoever  is  he?  (AU 
try  to  see) 


LYSIS'i  35 

LYSISTRATA.  Near  the  temple  of  Demeter. 

FIRST  WOMAN.    Zeus !  in  truth  there  is  a  man ! 
Who  in  the  world  is  he  ? 

LYSISTRATA.  Look!  does  any  one  of  you  know 
him? 

MYRRH  IN  A.  Indeed  I  do.  He  is  my  husband 
Cinesias. 

LYSISTRATA.  'Tis  your  business  to  tease  him 
and  cheat  him,  to  promise  and  refuse  him,  to  love 
him  and  not  love  him,  and  thoroughly  torment  him. 
utterly  and  roast  him  thoroughly.  But  do  you  go. 

MYRRHINA.     Don't  trouble  yourself,  I'll  do  so. 

LYSISTRATA.  I  will  remain  here,  and  cheat  him 
within. 

(Enter  CINESIAS  leading  a  child.) 

CINESIAS.    Ah !  Ah,  me  miserable ! 

LYSISTRATA.  Who  is  this  who  stands  within  the 
out-posts  ? 

CINESIAS.     I. 

LYSISTRATA.    A  man? 

CINESIAS.     Yes,  a  man. 

LYSISTRATA.    Then  begone. 

CINESIAS.    Who  are  you  who  drive  me  out? 

LYSISTRATA.    A  day  watcher. 

CINESIAS.  By  the  gods,  then,  call  me  out  Myrr- 
hina! 

LYSISTRATA.  So  I  must  call  out  your  Myrrhina? 
Who  are  you? 

CINESIAS.    Her  husband,  Cinesias. 


36  LYSISTRATA 

LYSISTRATA.  Welcome,  thou  dearest!  for  thy 
name  is  not  without  fame  among  us,  not  yet  inglori- 
ous, for  your  wife  constantly  has  you  in  her 
mouth;  and  if  she  get  an  egg  or  an  apple,  she  says 
"May  Cinesias  have  this !"  Yes,  'tis  true.  And  if  we 
talk  of  husbands,  your  wife  straightway  says  that 
everything  else  is  nonsense  compared  to  her 
Cinesias. 

CIXESIAS.    Go  then,  call  her. 

LYSISTRATA.     What  will  you  give  me? 

CINESIAS.  Here,  I  have  this.  (Gives  her  a  ring) 
What  I  have,  I  give  you. 

LYSISTRATA.    Come  then,  let  me  go  and  call  her. 

CINESIAS.  Hasten  then!  (Exit  LYSISTRATA) 
For  I  have  no  pleasure  in  life  since  she  went  away 
from  the  house,  but  am  grieved  when  I  go  in;  arid 
everything  appears  to  me  to  be  desolate ;  and  I  find 
no  pleasure  in  my  food  when  I  eat,  for  I  am  sit 
lonely. 

MYRRHINA.  (Within  the  gates,  to  LYSISTRATA) 
I  love  him,  I  love  him,  but  he  is  not  willing  to  be 
loved  by  me.  Do  not  call  me  to  him. 

CINESIAS.  My  dearest  little  Myrrhina,  why  do 
you  act  thus?  Come  down  hither. 

MYRRHINA.  By  Zeus,  I  will  not  go  down  thither. 

CINESIAS.  Will  you  not  come  down  when  I  call 
you,  Myrrhina? 

MYRRHINA.  No !  for  you  call  me  when  you  don't 
want  me  at  all. 

CINESIAS.  I  not  in  want  of  you?  Nay,  rather 
undone ! 


LYSISTRATA  37 

MYRRHINA.    I  will  go  away. 

CIXESIAS.  Nay,  don't,  pray!  but  at  least  hearken 
to  your  little  child.  (To  child)  Here  you,  will  you 
not  call  your  mother? 

CHILD.     Mama!     Mama! 

CINESIAS.  Woman!  what  are  you  about?  Do 
you  not  even  pity  your  little  child,  being  unwashed 
and  unfed  for  six  days  past? 

MYRRHINA.  Of  course  I  pity  it;  but  its  father  is 
negligent. 

CINESIAS.  Come  down,  my  good  girl,  to  your 
little  child! 

MYRRHINA.  What  a  thing  it  is  to  be  a  mother  ! 
I  must  descend,  for  what  can  I  do?  (Enter 


CINESAS.  Why,  she  seems  to  me  to  have  become 
much  younger  and  more  loving  to  look  at;  and  in 
that  she  is  cross  to  me  and  bears  herself  haughtily. 
These  are  the  very  things  now  which  attract  me. 

MYRRHINA.  O  thou  dearest  little  child  of  a  bad 
father!  Come,  let  me  kiss  you!  most  dear  to  your 
mother.  (Fondles  child) 

CINESAS.  Why,  cruel  creature  do  you  do  this 
and  yield  to  the  other  women,  and  make  me  un- 
happy, yourself  as  well?  (Tries  to  embrace  MYR- 
RHINA) 

MYRRHINA.    Don't  put  your  hand  on  me  ! 

CINESIAS.     You  are  neglecting  our  belongings 

MYRRHINA.    I  care  little  about  them. 

CINESIAS.  Little  about  your  thread  which  is 
being  tossed  about  by  the  cocks  and  hens? 


38  LYSISTRATA 

MYRRHINA.    Just  so. 

CINESIAS.     Will  you  not  go  back? 

MYRRHINA.  Not  I,  unless  you  make  peace  and 
cease  from  war. 

CINESIAS.  Therefore  if  it  seems  good  to  you,  we 
will  e'en  do  so. 

MYRRHINA.  Therefore  if  it  seems  good  to  you, 
I  will  e'en  return.  But  now  I  have  sworn  not  to 
do  it. 

CINESIAS.     Ah!  do  come  home  with  me! 

MYRRHINA.  Well  then,  wait  until  I  get  my 
mantle.  (Runs  off  and  returns  with  mantle,  thrust- 
ing it  into  his  arms) 

CINESIAS.     Come  now — are  you  ready? 

MYRRHINA.      Oh!  I      haw      /nrgottpn      my      veil. 

(Same  business  with  veil) 

CINESIAS.    Oh,  haste!  do  not  delay  so. 

MYRRHINA.  There,  I  have  left  behind  my 
mirror!  (Same  business) 

CINESIAS.    Will  the  woman  never  be  ready? 

MYRRHINA.  And  there  are  my  jars  of  unguents! 
\Same  business) 

CINESIAS.     Now  are  you  at  last  ready? 

MYRRHINA.  (Eluding  his  burdened  arms)  Do 
yru  take  these  home,  and  perhaps  I'll  follow — to- 
morrow! if  you  make  the  peace!  (Exit  MYRRHINA 
through  the  gate,  into  the  citadel) 

CINESIAS.  Oh,  wretched  me !  how  can  I  live 
longer  alone! 


LYSISTRATA  39 

CHORUS  OF  MEN.  Indeed  thou  are  afflicted!  how 
I  pity  you  for  the  conduct  of  your  abominable 
wife! 

CINESIAS.  Not  so,  but  dearest  and  sweetest  of 
all.  (Exit  CINESIAS) 

CHORUS  OF  MEN.     Abominable  certainly! 

(Enter  AMBASSADOR  from  SPARTA.) 

AMBASSADOR.  (Pompously)  Where  is  the 
Senate?  the  committee?  I  wish  to  make  an  an- 
nouncement. 

COMMITTEE-MAN,  (stepping  forward)  Here  am 
I,  Committee-man!  what  is  it? 

AMBASSADOR.  By  the  two  Gods,  I  come  from 
Sparta  as  Ambassador. 

COMMITTEE-MAN.    How  are  affairs  at  Sparta? 

AMBASSADOR.  In  greatest  distress!  All  the  wo- 
men have  left  their  husbands,  and  will  not  return 
'til  peace  be  made. 

COMMITTEE-MAN.  Tis  a  conspiracy  among  all 
the  women  of  Greece!  Let  us  at  once  treat  for 
peace,  for  we  cannot  live  thus. 

CHORUS  OF  MEN. — 

An  angry  woman  rages  more  fierce  than  wildest 
beasts ; 

Her  wrath  is  like  the  fire — by  words  (like  oil)  in- 
creased. 


40  LYSISTRATA 

CHORUS  OF  WOMEN. — 

But  since  you  know  my  failing,  why  rouse  my  pas- 
sions so? 

For  "quick  to  wrath"  is  "quick  to  love,"  as  you 
my  friend  should  know. 

CHORUS  OF  MEN. — 
In  the  words  of  the  poet, 
(The  excerpt,  you  know  it?) 
"All  women  I  hate"  runs  the  verse. 

CHORUS  OF  WOMEN. — 
That's  just  as  you  please. 
But  coatless  you'll  freeze, 
And  foolish  you  look — which  is  worse. 

(The  WOMEN  here  put  mantles  on  the  MEN.) 

CHORUS  OF  MEN.— 

How  grateful  feels  this  mantle  warm ! 
I  stripped  it  off  'mid  anger's  storm. 

LEADER  OF  WOMEN'S  CHORUS. — 
If  you  but  knew  how  the  mantle  improves  you ! 
Manly  you  look,  and  sedate,  as  behooves  you. 
Had  you  not  vexed  me,  I'd  gladly  take  out 
The  gnat  in  your  eye,  which  is  painful,  no  doubt. 

LEADER  OF  MEN  CHORUS. — 
It's  pained  for  some  time,  and  it  must  have  been 

that! 
My  ring  has  an  eye-stone — 'twill  capture  the  gnat. 

LEADER  OF  WOMEN  CHORUS. — 
I  suppose  I'll  have  to  do  it 
Though  I  find  you  very  cross!  (Uses  eye  stone) 


LYSISTRATA  41 

Gracious!  but  the  gnat's  a  monster! 
(Solicitously)     Feel  you  better  for  the  loss? 

LEADER  OF  CHORUS  OF  MEN. — 
Zeus  the  Protector!  but  what  a  relief! 
My  eye  has  been  paining  me  quite  past  belief ! 
Sec  how  my  tears  come  pattering  down. 

LEADER  OF  WOMEN. — 

Here,  let  me  dry  them  with  folds  of  my  gown. 
Now  you're  as  clean  as  a  sweet  little  lad ; 
I'd  just  love  to  kiss  you,  although  you're  so  bad. 

LEADER  OF  MEN.  Do  not  kiss  me,  no !  no !  no ! 

LEADER  OF  WOMEN.  But  I  will  now,  see,  just  so! 

(Kisses  him) 

CHORUS  OF  MEN. — 

In  wrath  or  in  friendship,  you'll  have  your  own  way. 
But  come,  we'll  make  peace,  henceforth  from  this 

day. 

We  both  will  be  patient ;  let  voices  unite 
And  sing  to  our  friendship,  so  fair  and  so  bright! 

CHORUS  OF  WOMEN. — 
Lovely  friendship's  fair  indeed!  we  welcome  her 

with  joy. 
In  deed  and  word  most  earnestly  we'll  strive  not  to 

annoy. 
To  any  wanting  ready  cash,  we'll  lend  as  well  as 

not; 
And  if  the  war  be  stopped,  why  then  the  loan  shall 

be  forgot. 
Our  tables  groan  with  viands  rich — pray  come  you 

to  the  feast; 


4^  LYSISTRATA 

For  bath  and  ointments  take  your  time,  then  come, 

the  best  and  least. 
Then  march  right  up  nor  ask  for  leave,  forgetting 

what  has  passed; 
You'll  find  us  all  within  the  fort — the  gates  you'll 

find — shut    fast!       (The  WOMEN   run   away, 

laughing) 

COMMITTEE-MAN.  Let  us  summon  Lysistrata, 
who  alone  can  make  peace  between  us.  But  see, 
here  she  comes  herself. 

(Enter  LYSISTRATA.) 

CHORUS  OF  MEN.  Hail!  O  thou  bravest  of  all 
women ;  now  it  behooveth  thee  to  be  clever,  good, 
easy,  grave,  mild  and  shrewd.  For  the  chiefs  of  the 
Greeks,  caught  by  thy  charms,  have  yielded  to  ihee, 
and  referred  all  their  grievances  to  thee  in  com- 
mon. 

LYSISTRATA.  Well,  the  business  is  not  difficult 
if  one  were  to  find  people  eager  for  peace.  But  I'll 
soon  know.  Where  is  Peace?  First  take  and  lead 
forward  the  Spartans,  and  not  with  a  hand  violent 
or  self-willed,  as  our  husbands  used  unskillfully  to 
do,  but  very  affectionately,  as  is  proper  women 
should.  (PEACE  enters  during  this  speech)  If  any 
do  not  give  his  hand — him  lead  by  the  nose!  Come, 
do  you  also  lead  these  Athenians  forward.  You, 
Spartan,  stand  close  beside  me,  and  you  (Indicating 
ATHENIAN  COMMITTEE-MAN)  on  this  side,  and 
hear  my  words!  I  am  a  woman,  it  is  true;  but 


LVSISTRATA  43 

sense  I  have,  and  "lack  not  intellect."  By  having 
often  heard  the  words  of  my  father  and  my  elders, 
I  have  not  been  ill-educated.  I  wish  to  take  and 
chide  you  gently  in  common,  who  though  kindred 
people,  are  destroying  Grecian  men  and  Grecian 
cities,  when  barbarians  menace  you  as  enemies. 
One  part  of  my  speech  is  thus  far  finished. 

COMMITTEE-MAN.  Pray  finish  it  all,  and  haste 
in  the  doing. 

LYSISTRATA.  In  the  next  place,  Spartan — for  I 
will  turn  to  you — do  you  not  know  when  the 
Spartan  came  hither  a  suppliant  of  the  Athenians, 
and  sat  upon  the  altars,  pale  and  anxious,  begging 
an  army?  Messina  was  pressing  upon  you,  and 
the  god  was  shaking  the  earth  so  that  the  horrors 
of  earthquake  also  desolate  the  land;  but  Cimon 
went  with  four  thousand  hoplites  and  saved  the 
whole  of  Sparta.  Would  you  devastate  a  land 
which  befriended  you? 

COMMITTEE-MAN.  By  Zeus,  Lysistrata,  Sparta 
is  in  the  wrong! 

SPARTAN  AMBASSADOR.  We  are  in  the  wrong: 
but  sin  is  so  tempting. 

LYSISTRATA.  Do  you  suppose  I  shall  let  you 
Athenians  off?  Know  you  not,  when  the  Spartans 
in  turn  came  in  arms  and  set  you  free  from  the 
yoke  of  Thessaly? 

SPARTAN  AMBASSADOR.  I  have  never  seen  a  bet- 
ter woman! 

LYSISTRATA.  Why,  then,  when  favors  exist  on 
both  sides,  do  you  fight?  Why  do  you  not  make 


44  LYSISTRATA 

peace?    Come,  what's  the  hindrance? 

SPARTAN  AMBASSADOR.  So  we  will,  if  you  are 
willing  to  restore  to  us  Pylos. 

COMMITTEE-MAN.  By  the  Sea,  and  its  gods,  we 
will  not! 

LYSISTRATA.    Give  it  up  to  them,  good  sir! 

COMMITTEE-MAN.  And  what  then  shall  we 
solicit? 

LYSISTRATA.  Do  you  demand  another  place 
instead  of  this? 

COMMITTEE-MAN.  (To  SPARTAN)  Then  do  you 
deliver  up  this  Echinus. 

SPARTAN  AMBASSADOR.  No,  by  the  two  Gods,  not 
all,  my  good  sir! 

LYSISTRATA.  Give  them  up;  do  not  dispute  about 
trifles!  Enter  into  the  Acropolis,  give  oaths  and 
assurances  to  each  other;  and  then  each  of  you 
shall  take  his  own  wife  and  depart. 

ATHENIAN  COMMITTEE-MAN  and  SPARTAN  AM- 
BASSDOR.  Agreed ! 

(LYSISTRATA  summons  the  WOMEN  out  from  the 
citadel.) 

LYSISTRATA.  Then  let  husband  stand  beside 
wife,  and  wife  beside  husband;  and  then,  haviing 
danced  in  honor  of  the  gods  for  our  prosperous 
fortune,  let  us  be  cautious  henceforth  never  to  sin 
again ! 

CHORUS  OF  ATHENIANS. — 
Lead  the  chorus,  madly  dancing, 
Offer  thanks  to  gods  above; 


LYSISTRATA  45 

All  the  gods  invoke  in  order, 

Last — and  best — the  god  of  love! 

Artemis,  the  chaste  and  mighty,  hail  we  as  we  trip 

along ! 
Hail  Apollo!  gracious  leader  of  the  chorus'  dance 

and  song. 
Sparkling   eyes   of    Dionysius   hail   we   'mid    the 

Maenad  train! 
Hail  to  Zeus,  whose  lightning  flashes  bling  us,  mid 

the  summer  rain. 
Hera,  ancient  spouse  and  mother,  worshipped  since 

the  dawn  of  time 
All  the  gods  we  call  to  witness  to  this  peace,  this 

peace  sublime, 
Won  through  matchless  Aphrodite;  who  can  staj 

all-conquering  love? 
Alalai !  lo !  Paean !  Sing  the  praise  of  mighty  love. 

lo!  lo!     Aphrodite!     Evoe!  the  god  of  love! 

Now,  see  what  sort  of  a  chorus  you  can  sing. 

CHORUS  OF  SPARTANS. — 
Spartan  muse,  desert  Taygetus,  lovely  though  her 

fountains  be. 
Let  us  sing  our  gods  and  heroes;  first,  the  brave 

Tyndaridtf. 
Sing  those  heavenly  twins  in  chorus,  lightly  bound, 

and  gaily  spring! 
Sparta  is  the  nurse  of  heroes,  let  her  damsels  dance 

and  sing! 
Bind  your  hair,  ye  lovely  damsels!  like  a  stag  on 

mountain-top, 
Spring  from  peak  to  peak,  and  madly  raise  the 


46  LYSISTRATA 

shout,  nor  let  it  stop. 
OMKES.     Alalai!  To!  Paean!  Sing  the  praise  of 

of  mighty  love! 
lo !  lo !  Aphrodite !    Evoe !  the  god  of  love ! 

CURTAIN. 


THE  WORLD'S  BEST  PLAYS-Continued 

A  Marriage  Proposal.     By  Anton  Tchekoff.     2  men,   1  woman.     A 

v.e   greatest   of   raoder: 

;    is    very    popular,   and   s;r 

.  .iiier.    Price  35  i 

The  Green  Coat.     By  Alfred  de  Mussel  and  Emile  Augier.    3  men, 

:   the 

.  ritten  by  one  of   France's 
I'ocis   uud   one   o!   her   best-known   dramat: 

The  Wager.     By  Giuseppe  fiiacosa.     4  men,  4  women.     This  one- 

<-ily,   writtwi   by   the   most  celebrated  drair 

of  modern  Italy,  was  the  author's  first  work.  It  treats  of  a 
wager  made  by  a  proud  young  page,  who  risks  his  life  on 
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